ANDY PETTITTE HALL OF FAME SPEECH
Commissioner John “Stray” Corrado’s Introduction Speech for Andy Pettitte:
Born Andy Eugene Pettitte, June 15, 1972, in Baton Rouge, LA.
Virginia Sluggers 1997-2009; Owensboro Onslaught 2010; Tempe Tempers 2011, 2013; Long Beach Dirt Bags 2011; Roseville Thorns 2014
Career stats: 238-136, 3.56 ERA, 2393 strikeouts, 3167.6 IP, 29 CG, 26 SHO
Played 18 seasons for five franchises, two-time All-Star (started in 2006, reserve in 1998), pitched in five postseasons, reaching the World Series three times. Won one Cy Young (2006) when he went 23-5, with a 1.56 ERA, 191 strikeouts, had an 0.85 WHIP and twirled seven shutouts. His 23 wins and 1.56 ERA led the league.
If you’re looking for a word to describe Andy Pettitte, ‘Winner’ is a good place to start. In the LDS, he went 5-1 with a 2.47 ERA.in the LCS, he was 4-0 with an 0.70 ERA. He finally cashed in that World Championship with Tempe in 2013. He was a 15-game winner ten times.
It is my distinct honor and privilege to introduce your newest MWBL Hall of Famer, Andy Pettitte.
Andy Pettitte’s Speech:
Thank you for those kind words, Mr. Commissioner. I am truly honored to be a member of this esteemed fraternity. And I am also glad to share this stage with my fellow inductee, a worthy adversary, and a great competitor.
I am truly blessed to share this day, and this honor, with the people who made it possible. First of all, my parents, Tommy and JoAnn Pettitte. I can’t say enough about them. My family has sacrificed so much to make my dreams come true, so take a bow, Laura, my wife, and Jared, Lexy, Joshua, and Luke! Love you, guys!
Growing up, and all through my minor league days, and big league career, I always wanted to be the best. While I didn’t always accomplish that, I was always willing to work at it. I wanted the ball for the big games. I am proudest of my postseason record because that is the culmination of the team goal. To win, to get that championship. To be at your best, you need a good team around you. I was lucky enough to play most of my career in Virginia, with the Sluggers. I’d like to give a shoutout to team owner Paul Roe. We had so many great teams and came so close. I’d also like to thank Chris Douglass of the Tempe Tempers, where I finally realized my dream of being a World Champion.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the individual accolades and awards, but they were always in service to the collective goal of winning for the team. I will admit that starting an All-Star game and winning a Cy Young WAS pretty cool! That 2006 season was magical, but I never could have done it without my teammates, and the coaches, managers, and teammates. They helped me, pushed me, and shared the game with me along the way, and I hope I was able to do likewise. In the end, it is the relationships and camaraderie that you cherish when it’s all over and you put away your spikes. I have enjoyed every minute and wouldn’t trade any of it. Thank you again for this honor!